Suntactics USB solar charger support and FAQs

The PC5 has now taken on a new look and name. The PC5 is now called the "sCharger-5". It continues outperform all other USB solar chargers on the market.

We ask that you please read the sCharger-5 User Manual before you try and solar charge. It is very informative on solar charging basics and will help you become successful at solar charging your devices.

Freqently asked questions:

Can the s-Charger-5 charge an iPad1 or iPad2?
Yes it can. The sCharger will charge an iPad1 or iPad2 from 10%-12% per hour depending on the sky conditions. See the users manual for iPad charging tips.

Can the sCharger-5 charge my Kindle B+W and Nook B+W e-readers?
Yes it can and do it very well.

Can the sCharger-5 charger the Kindle fire?
Yes it can. The Kindle fire has a large battery capacity so it takes a while. For best results, set the screen brightless down to less than half and set the screen time out to 30 seconds. This can be done by touching the tool icon near the battery indicator near the top, then touch "more", then "Display".

Can the sCharger-5 charge a Nook Color?
Unfortunately no. The nook color requires too much power to activate its internal charger.

Can the sCharger-5 charge AA batteries and if so what chargers do you recommend?
You must purchase a USB AA/AAA charger. Many are available on the market.

Here are some examples: USBAACharger, USB AA Charger on Amazon

Using a y-connector (Not a USB hub) you could charge two USB batteries or two AA/AA USB battery devices at once. Example of y-connector Y-Connector

Using a y-Connector may not work while charging more powerful phone devices.

How long does it take to charge a USB backup battery or AA/AAA USB battery charging device?
It depends on two things, battery capacity and input charge rate. Charging rates vary on different models of these devices. If your USB device limits the charger rate at 500mA and you have 2000mA AA batteries, then it will take the sCharger-5 ~4 hours to charge. This is measured by taking the capacity of the device's battery and dividing by the the input current. So 2000mA/hours divided by 500mA = 4 hours.

Will the sCharger-5 charge camera batteries?
Yes and No. The sCharger-5 is a 5 volt device. Most camera batteries are 7.2-7.4 volts. If the camera can charge through its USB port, then the sCharger can charge the internal camera battery

Can the sCharger-5 be left outside?
Yes. We recommend if you are mounting permanantely outdoors that you face the connector opening down and use an o-ring on the USB male connector.

Does the sCharger-5 work in cloudy conditions?
It is recommended that you charge in sunny weather. However successful solar charging in partially cloudy and hazy conditions is not impossible.

Does the sCharger-5 hold its own charge for later use?
This is perhaps the best question yet. The sCharger-5 does not carry an on-board battery. There is no need for one. If you want to store a charge for later use, use a USB backup battery. They are inexpensive and found all over the place. You could carry multiple types of USB backup batteries and charge them with the sCharger-5. This gives you much flexibility because you can pick a choose what style and capacity battery you require.

The LED indicator is lit but why is my device is not charging?
The LED indicates that the solar cells, and circuitry is working. It will illuminate with even the slightest light on the solar panels. In order to get full power output for solar charging, the sCharger-5 should be in direct sunlight with cells facing up.

Why is there an "Accesory not Supported" message on my iPhone, iPod Touch?
This message may occur because the sCharger-5 was either shaded or plugged in while in the shade.  This does not mean that the sCharger-5 does not support your iPhone or iPod.  In this case it’s just an indication that there is insufficient energy to charge. 
Solution
1. Re-plug the cable into the iPhone or iPod while in the sun.
2. Or leave the sCharger-5 in the sun. Within 2-5 minutes the screen message will go away and charge will continue. 

Instructional Video

If you have any other questions about the sCharger-5, please feel free to e-mail us. Or you can also look at the latest user manual.

sCharger-5 User Manual